(Sacramento, CA) - Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 262, a first-of-its-kind bill to address climate change through state purchasing. AB 262, the Buy Clean California Act authored by Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), will require the state to buy certain common building products from cleaner manufacturers.

“AB 262 will strengthen California’s climate leadership and make California the first state to align its public infrastructure expenditures with environmental goals. This bill rewards companies that have invested in clean technologies to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Bonta.

About 22 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions come from manufacturing. Under AB 262, the state Department of General Services will establish a greenhouse gas emissions standard for a select list of common construction materials. The standard would be enforced when public contracts are awarded by the state, the UC and CSU beginning July 1, 2019. The state will purchase from manufacturers who meet or surpass the standard.

​"The Buy Clean law carves a new path for cutting climate pollution. It makes sure taxpayer dollars are spent in a way that's consistent with Californians' values and strong desire to address climate change," said Kathryn Phillips, director of Sierra Club California. "With this bill, Assemblymember Bonta brought together environmentalists, labor unions, and manufacturers to help find a solution. It had Democratic and Republican support. We're ecstatic that the governor signed the law and look forward to making sure it lives up to its great promise."

“I want to thank the Governor for his ongoing commitment to fighting global climate change. The Governor understands we must do everything in our power to reduce or reverse the harmful impacts of climate change. AB 262 is a powerful component of that effort,” Bonta concluded.

###

Assemblymember Rob Bonta represents the 18th Assembly District, which includes Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro and is the Assistant Majority Leader and Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Legislative Caucus.